As schools incorporate new energy sources into their bus fleets, the industry requires skilled technicians to maintain alternative fuel vehicles, such as those powered by propane autogas.

Discover how your school can benefit from the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), which provides training and resources to prepare students to work on propane autogas vehicles such as buses, trucks, vans, and more.

According to a release, the grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs.

The goal? Provide students with real-world experience in maintaining propane autogas vehicles, a skill increasingly in demand as more fleets pursue sustainability.

“The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation, supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans, and buses on the road for years to come.”

How the Propane Grant Program Benefits Schools

Now in its second year, the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service, and maintain propane autogas engine systems.

Each school gets a propane-specific curriculum, funding for propane autogas equipment, and support to send an instructor to a 'Train the Trainer' course. Eligible schools must already offer automotive programs.

According to the release, over 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the country in school transportation, transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews, and more.

Propane is considered a “clean” alternative fuel, “producing up to 96% fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime.”

“Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit said. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”

Applications are open until December 19. For details or to apply, visit propane.com/autogasgrantprogram.